A little Tikka information help please...

[Smitty192]

After having to sell my custom R700 rifles to pay some legal bills...I have got together some funds to get a new rifle. I have decided to skip the R700 action and gunsmith work and start with a Tikka action. I am contemplating a T3X CTR or a Tikka donor action and pre-fit barrel.

My question is this - Is there some difference between using a T3 or a T3X as a donor action? Would the triggers be the same? Some of the stocks and bottom metal appear to be different. I am not familiar with the Tikka product at all.

I'm sure all of this is here somewhere but I wanted to make sure I was looking at the correct question and answer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Radioactiv]

I believe the only changes between the T3 to the T3x was a new aluminum shroud from a plastic one,Also the ejection port is larger. The rest of the changes iirc was mainly the stock (There still shit Tikka)

The CTR route is a good route but not perfect. They need to make a adjustable LOP and comb stock that takes AICS and call it a day.

 

[Smitty192]

I believe the only changes between the T3 to the T3x was a new aluminum shroud from a plastic one,Also the ejection port is larger. The rest of the changes iirc was mainly the stock (There still shit Tikka)

The CTR route is a good route but not perfect. They need to make a adjustable LOP and comb stock that takes AICS and call it a day.

Thanks. I thought I read that about the ejection port. I would be curious if the larger port is significant enough to matter or if it is just a nicety. Thanks for the info.

 

[BurnOut]

If I were in your position, I'd start with the least expensive T3 action I could find that has the bolt face that you want. All of them are the same length (you can convert from short to long action by changing the ~$35 bolt stop, and vise-versa). The aluminum shroud of the T3x is something that can be duplicated for ~$30 from any number of vendors (personally I like those available from Tikka Performance/Mountain Tactical).

I should also note that I have heard (though not verified) that unbarreled Tikka actions can be had through Ray's Sporting Goods in Dallas; like I said, I have no idea if it's true, but it might be worth a phone call.

 

[Smitty192]

If I were in your position, I'd start with the least expensive T3 action I could find that has the bolt face that you want. All of them are the same length (you can convert from short to long action by changing the ~$35 bolt stop, and vise-versa). The aluminum shroud of the T3x is something that can be duplicated for ~$30 from any number of vendors (personally I like those available from Tikka Performance/Mountain Tactical).

I should also note that I have heard (though not verified) that unbarreled Tikka actions can be had through Ray's Sporting Goods in Dallas; like I said, I have no idea if it's true, but it might be worth a phone call.

Dynamite information. Thank you!

 

[Oregonmuley]

I have a T3 and had a T3x and they say the ejection port is bigger on the T3x but looking at them side by side you sure can't see it. So like several others have already said you should be good with either one for a build since they are pretty much same/same.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

I may be wrong, but i think the t3x bolts were teflon coated, making them cycle a wee bit smoother.

I will say, i had a t3 and a t3x and the bolt lift on the X was a little lighter than the t3. Not to say the t3 was heavy.

 

[Smitty192]

I have a T3 and had a T3x and they say the ejection port is bigger on the T3x but looking at them side by side you sure can't see it. So like several others have already said you should be good with either one for a build since they are pretty much same/same.

Do they come with the same trigger? I can't find any ads that say one way or the other. And thank you for the information.

 

[patriot07]

They're both good. I run a T3x CTR. Have run the T3. Not a hill of beans worth of difference IMHO.

If you're going to replace the stock anyway, there isn't a ton of difference between the CTR and a donor plus a barrel. Both are good options. Max performance - donor plus barrel. Max convenience with still awesome performance - CTR

 

[Smitty192]

They're both good. I run a T3x CTR. Have run the T3. Not a hill of beans worth of difference IMHO.

If you're going to replace the stock anyway, there isn't a ton of difference between the CTR and a donor plus a barrel. Both are good options. Max performance - donor plus barrel. Max convenience with still awesome performance - CTR

That's kind of where I'm at. If I can find a smoking deal on a T3 donor or a CTR, I'll grab it. Thanks for chiming in.

 

[Oregonmuley]

Do they come with the same trigger? I can't find any ads that say one way or the other. And thank you for the information.

Pretty sure they are both the same, I know it adjusted the same way as the T3 does and was just as nice once properly adjusted.

 

[LeftyJason]

I put up this post awhile ago as a Tikka buying guide.

Tikka T3 Thread

Now that you say that, I do remember seeing a guy running the 6.5 saum in slightly modified CTR mags. I believe he was getting 6 rounds in it. Here are some pics of factory 6.5 PRC at 2.95 in a MDT without the binder and also the CTR. It's close but fits so with the shorter coal of 7 saum,6.5...

www.snipershide.com

 

[mattwaage1]

The t3x ejection port is lower, which was a common modification made to t3 actions if you wanted to run a direct mount spuhr. Trg mounts will fit on the top dovetail.
The triggers should be the same.
So unless you are going to run a unimount on the integral dovetail it won't have any noticable effect.

Depending on what cartridge you want, I would look for a factory barrel and run that if you're on a budget. They shoot excellent. The trg/ctr mags are expensive but light years better than aics mags. The ctr stock leaves a lot to be desired but there are many aftermarket choices that allow the trg mags to be used yet

 

[Smitty192]

The t3x ejection port is lower, which was a common modification made to t3 actions if you wanted to run a direct mount spuhr. Trg mounts will fit on the top dovetail.
The triggers should be the same.
So unless you are going to run a unimount on the integral dovetail it won't have any noticable effect.

Depending on what cartridge you want, I would look for a factory barrel and run that if you're on a budget. They shoot excellent. The trg/ctr mags are expensive but light years better than aics mags. The ctr stock leaves a lot to be desired but there are many aftermarket choices that allow the trg mags to be used yet

Thanks. Are the Tikka CTR mags a step up over AICS mags?

 

[Smitty192]

I put up this post awhile ago as a Tikka buying guide.

Tikka T3 Thread

Now that you say that, I do remember seeing a guy running the 6.5 saum in slightly modified CTR mags. I believe he was getting 6 rounds in it. Here are some pics of factory 6.5 PRC at 2.95 in a MDT without the binder and also the CTR. It's close but fits so with the shorter coal of 7 saum,6.5...

www.snipershide.com

Thanks for the information. With the actions all being the same size, are the LA & SA mags the same (maybe using a spacer block on the SA)? I think I have found barreled action with the option to purchase the entire rifle. Are the CTR mags and bottom metal a better choice over a AICS mag set up? Is there any advantage in choosing a blued carbon steel over stainless steel action? Thanks.

 

[spife7980]

Thanks for the information. With the actions all being the same size, are the LA & SA mags the same (maybe using a spacer block on the SA)? I think I have found barreled action with the option to purchase the entire rifle. Are the CTR mags and bottom metal a better choice over a AICS mag set up? Is there any advantage in choosing a blued carbon steel over stainless steel action? Thanks.

The different tikka mags

Youll get half the people saying ctr mags are the way to go and the other half saying that aics is the way to go. Pick your poison.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I own a few Tikkas. My current is off at The Firm Rifles getting a new barrel.

I picked up a Manners T4A for my T3X CTR, but it was inletted for a T3. Manners told me that the ejection port will be slightly larger on the ejection notch on the stock, but everything else would line up and they were right. Mine stock was setup for CDI bottom metal, so I switched over to using AICS mags and now use ARC mags. That being said, I prefer the Tikka mags as they were smaller and smoother over my AICS (just my preference).

The action is very smooth! Way smoother to run the bolt over my Rem700. The trigger is also great, IMO. It's the one thing I have yet to replace and do not plan on doing so. Personally, I love these rifles so yes, I'm a fan boy. If you're already looking at the pre-fits you won't care about the factory barrel being slower than the avg factory rifle.

 

[mattwaage1]

Thanks. Are the Tikka CTR mags a step up over AICS mags?

I believe they are, others may argue.

They have a much longer OAL than aics mags allow.
The true double stack/single feed design works very well, allowing for a shorter 10rd mag that feeds more reliably.
The only negative being that they cost more.

Also if you get a ctr and decide you want to use aics mags, ordering bottom metal that drops right in to change is easy. If you are running Tikka mags in say, a sporter stock, it will take some inletting to accept an aics dbm.

 

[MarinePMI]

T3X does have a larger ejection port. Does it matter? Only when you're trying to fish a case out of the action. Don't mount he scope too low, or the brass may hit the turrets and end up back in the ejection port/action.

Also, T-3/T-3X (non-CTR) rifles do not come with a pic rail (D&T'ed, but filled with rubber plugs). My T-3X Varmint most certainly did not come with one. The CTR did (and it was epoxied to the action).

AICS vs CTR mags? Depends on whether you have the bad run of CTR mags that occurred in the past. I'd wager they fixed that, but don't have a confirmation. My T-3 CTR was old enough that it came with TRG mags, so no issues there. Everything I have is AICS, so I ended up giving them to a buddy and just switched over to AICS. I think it's a Chevy/Ford thing at this point, as to which is "better".

 

[Radioactiv]

I think the main reason people swap from CTR mags to AICS is becuase KRG and MDT have a large market share in the Tikka stocks. They only have AICS that fits.

 

[Smitty192]

The different tikka mags
View attachment 7043272

Youll get half the people saying ctr mags are the way to go and the other half saying that aics is the way to go. Pick your poison.

That's a great illustration. Oh the possibilities. My immediate thought is a 6.5X55 with the LA magazine. Thanks for all the information.

 

[Smitty192]

I believe they are, others may argue.

They have a much longer OAL than aics mags allow.
The true double stack/single feed design works very well, allowing for a shorter 10rd mag that feeds more reliably.
The only negative being that they cost more.

Also if you get a ctr and decide you want to use aics mags, ordering bottom metal that drops right in to change is easy. If you are running Tikka mags in say, a sporter stock, it will take some inletting to accept an aics dbm.

Great info.

 

[Smitty192]

T3X does have a larger ejection port. Does it matter? Only when you're trying to fish a case out of the action. Don't mount he scope too low, or the brass may hit the turrets and end up back in the ejection port/action.

Also, T-3/T-3X (non-CTR) rifles do not come with a pic rail (D&T'ed, but filled with rubber plugs). My T-3X Varmint most certainly did not come with one. The CTR did (and it was epoxied to the action).

AICS vs CTR mags? Depends on whether you have the bad run of CTR mags that occurred in the past. I'd wager they fixed that, but don't have a confirmation. My T-3 CTR was old enough that it came with TRG mags, so no issues there. Everything I have is AICS, so I ended up giving them to a buddy and just switched over to AICS. I think it's a Chevy/Ford thing at this point, as to which is "better".

Thank you. The only reason I was curious is I can either purchase a T3 barreled action or a CTR. If the CTR mags are the cat's ass, that would be a nice starting point. I could reuse the bottom metal and mags. Do you have any opinions on the Tikka CTR bottom metal?

 

[MarinePMI]

Not in particular, no. I converted over to AICS, so the bottom metal sits in the empty stock hanging on the wall. It's fairly robust, so I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I just don't use it.

 

[Smitty192]

Not in particular, no. I converted over to AICS, so the bottom metal sits in the empty stock hanging on the wall. It's fairly robust, so I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I just don't use it.

Good stuff...Thanks a ton.

 

[spife7980]

Thank you. The only reason I was curious is I can either purchase a T3 barreled action or a CTR. If the CTR mags are the cat's ass, that would be a nice starting point. I could reuse the bottom metal and mags. Do you have any opinions on the Tikka CTR bottom metal?

If you know what you really want to run a certain chassis I would check to see what mag system plays nice with it. It woud suck to get a ctr only to find out that the chassis you want to drop it in eventually is noncompatible with the mags you just bought.

So just think about your future path before you buy is all. There has been some bickering on the forum between members over which is best but I think the ultimately the only difference is what you are wanting to do with it, plan accordingly is all.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/stock-for-tikka-ctr.6906980/

 

[BigTex]

That's a great illustration. Oh the possibilities. My immediate thought is a 6.5X55 with the LA magazine. Thanks for all the information.

That will work great! I swapped the bolt stop in my .260 to a LA and use LA mags to load long.

 

[schmi015]

I believe the T3 had an aluminum recoil lug while the newer T3X has a steel recoil lug since the lug is mounted into the stock and the action is slotted for it. If you're going to swap out a factory stock its no big deal. They did this because very rarely the T3 lug could deform shooting heavy magnums.

I love my tikka ctr as is straight from the factory, its an awesome shooter.

 

[Smitty192]

I believe the T3 had an aluminum recoil lug while the newer T3X has a steel recoil lug since the lug is mounted into the stock and the action is slotted for it. If you're going to swap out a factory stock its no big deal. They did this because very rarely the T3 lug could deform shooting heavy magnums.

I love my tikka ctr as is straight from the factory, its an awesome shooter.

Thanks for information.

 

[Smitty192]

I was able to strike a good deal on a NIB CTR in 6.5 CM. I was also able to secure a smoking deal on a PST Gen 2 / 5-25 scope and some ARC rings. Add a left over muzzle brake from my parts bin and I'm ready to shoot. Grand total came in right at $1900.

If I decide to sell the stock, bottom metal and mag from the factory CTR rifle, what is a fair price for a set up like that?

Thanks for all of the information. It has been a quick lesson in the Tikka line.

 

[b6graham]

I was able to strike a good deal on a NIB CTR in 6.5 CM. I was also able to secure a smoking deal on a PST Gen 2 / 5-25 scope and some ARC rings. Add a left over muzzle brake from my parts bin and I'm ready to shoot. Grand total came in right at $1900.

If I decide to sell the stock, bottom metal and mag from the factory CTR rifle, what is a fair price for a set up like that?

Thanks for all of the information. It has been a quick lesson in the Tikka line.

i think they normally go $100-150

 

[Smitty192]

i think they normally go $100-150

Thank you

 

[camotoe]

Tikkas are awesome. Great factory rifle

 

[BJames]

I love my Tikka, it’s a semi custom at this point. Mine started life as a T3 243 compact youth model, it’s now a 6x47 Lapua in a Cadex field competition chassis. I haven’t run into any issues with the “smaller” port, haven’t had a problem fishing rounds or cases out of there either. If I was, I was trying to catch brass instead of just running the bolt. If anything, a smaller port may translate to a stiffer action, at least some benchresters think so.

Had a T3 CTR 308 a few years back, that thing shot lights out, it was sold to fund the above project. The only ding I’ve heard on tikka’s was their barrels tend to be on the slow side. That’s from lowlight, should be documented around here somewhere. Not a big deal for most of us and what we’re doing with these rifles.